Film image input system

ABSTRACT

This is a film image input system wherein an image of the developed still photo film is made to focus on an image sensing plane of a charge coupled device through a taking lens to be converted into electric signals and the electric signals are input in a video monitor. The film image input system comprises: a zoom driving part for changing the image magnification of the taking lens; a scan mechanism for moving an image taking position on the film by the taking lens; and a control part for controlling the scan mechanism in such a manner that the moving speed of the scan mechanism is decreased with the increase in the image magnification of the taking lens and making the moving speed of a screen on the video monitor constant during scan. Furthermore, the control part can restrict the scan scope of the scan mechanism in accordance with the image magnification, satisfactorily display the scope being picked up at present on a display device, and return the scan position to the center of the film and return the image magnification to a predetermined standard magnification so that the film image in the whole frame can occupy the whole screen of the video monitor, upon receiving the standard reproduction command.

This is a divisional of application Ser. No. 07/755,210 filed Sep. 5,1991 U.S. Pat. NO. 5,309,242.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a film image input system, and moreparticularly to a film image input system wherein an image of adeveloped still photo film is image-sensed by an image sensing means tobe converted into electric signals and the electric signals are inputinto a video monitor, to thereby reproduce the image of the film on thevideo monitor.

2. Description of the Related Art

A film image input system wherein the image of the developed still photofilm is reproduced on the video monitor has heretofore been known byU.S. Pat. No. 4,482,924, U.S. Pat. No. 4,485,406, U.S. Pat. No.4,506,300, WO 90/04301 and so forth.

As shown in FIG. 35 for example, a film image input system 1 comprises:a film feeding system including a feed reel 3 for delivering a long film2 of a developed still photo and a take-up reel 5, an image pick-upoptical system 6 consisting of a lighting 6A and a taking lens 6B; animage sensor 7A such as a charge coupled device (CCD); and an imagesignal process circuit 7B.

The film is delivered frame by frame between the lighting unit 6A andthe taking lens 6B. The image of the film 2 is illuminated by a lightfrom the lighting unit 6A, and the image thus illuminated is picked upby the taking lens 6B and made to focus at the image sensor 7A. Withthis arrangement, the image on the film 2 is converted into electricsignals in the image sensor 7A, signal-processed in the image signalprocess circuit, thereafter, output into a video monitor and reproducedon the video monitor 8. Furthermore, the film image input system of thistype may include a zoom mechanism, a film scan mechanism (X-Y movingmechanism), an image sensor rotating mechanism and so forth.

Now, in the film image input system of this type, when the image of thefilm is scanned, a moving speed of a screen of the video monitor 8during the scan is varied by the image magnification of the taking lens6B. Namely, there have been such disadvantages that, when the imagemagnification of the taking lens 6B is large, the moving speed of thescreen of the video monitor 8 is increased, and, when the imagemagnification of the taking lens 6B is small; the moving speed of thescreen of the video monitor 8 is decreased. Furthermore, when the imageof the film is scanned within one frame, the scan is performed by movingthe film 2 and the image pick-up optical system 6 relatively to eachother in a direction X or Y. However, the scan mechanism in theconventional film image input system cannot be moved in the directions Xand Y simultaneously. Consequently, when the scan is performed in anoblique direction, the scan mechanism must be moved alternately in thedirection X or Y, thereby presenting the problem that it takes time forthe operation of buttons or a lever for scanning.

Furthermore, during frame feeding, when the reproduction of thesucceeding frame is performed while holding the scan position and theimage magnification of the preceding frame, there is presented theproblem that the whole image of the succeeding frame cannot be observed.Further, there is presented the problem that the scan position ismanually returned to the center of the film so that the whole frame ofthe film image can occupy the whole screen of the video monitor from theoptional scan position and image magnification, and the imagemagnification is returned to a standard image magnification to performthe reproduction (hereinafter referred to as a "standard reproduction"),thus taking much time. On the other hand, the scan speed during theoperation of the scan buttons and the zoom speed during the operation ofthe zoom buttons are set at relatively low values, respectively, becauseit is necessary to determine desired scan position and zooming whileobserving the image on the screen of the video monitor. For example,there are presented the problems that, to manually return the maximumimage magnification to the said standard magnification, it takes about 4sec., and it takes a long time for the film image to appear in thecondition of the standard reproduction.

Further, when a film cartridge having a spool, around which thedeveloped still photo film is wound, is used, if the film cartridge isconstructed so as to be put into and taken out through the top portionof the film image input system, then, AV (audio-visual) components andthe like cannot be superposed on the top portion of the film image inputsystem, thus unabling to use a space effectively.

Furthermore, it is necessary to guide the developed still photo film insuch a manner that the optical axis of the taking lens 6Bperpendicularly intersects the surface of the film, in order to form afocal plane over the whole area of the film surface in the pick-upregion of the taking lens 6B. Further, it is necessary to make theinclinations of the image sensor 7A and the film coincide with eachother in order to prevent the image reproduced on the video monitor frominclining. Namely, it is necessary to adjust three angles fordetermining relative postures of the taking lens 6B and the filmsurface.

However, the conventional film image input system is not provided with amechanism for adjusting these three angles, thus presenting the problemsthat the focal plane over the whole area of the film surface cannot beformed because of the shift in the relative postures of the taking lens6B and the film surface due to the errors in the assembling and thelike, and the readjusting in forming the focal plane during trimmingbecomes necessary.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a film image inputsystem wherein the moving speed of a screen on the video monitor duringscan can be made constant irrespective of an image magnification,scanning from an optional scan position to an oblique direction can beeasily performed, and further, any portion other than the image of thefilm can be prevented from being monitored during scan.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a film image inputsystem wherein the image magnification can be returned to a standardmagnification immediately from optional image magnification and scanposition, and the scan position can be returned to the center of a framefor reproduction.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a film imageinput system wherein a space can be effectively used.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a filmimage input system wherein a shift in relative postures of a filmsurface and a taking lens can be easily adjusted.

To achieve the above-described objects, according to the presentinvention, a film image input system wherein an image of a developedstill photo film is made to focus at an image sensing plane of imagepick-up means through a taking lens to be converted into electricsignals and the electric signals are input into a video monitor, tothereby reproduce the image on a screen of the video monitor, ischaracterized in that the said system comprised: a zoom mechanism forchanging an image magnification of the taking lens; a scan mechanism formoving an image taking position of the taking lens on the film; and acontrol means for controlling the scan mechanism in such a manner thatthe moving speed of the scan mechanism is decreased with the increase inthe image magnification of the taking lens and, making the moving speedof the screen on the video monitor constant or easily observed inaccordance with the image magnification during scan. Furthermore, thesystem is provided with control means for expanding a scan scope of thescan mechanism with the increase in the image magnification of thetaking lens and shrinking the scan scope of the scan mechanism with thedecrease in the image magnification so that any portion other than thefilm image is not picked up. Furthermore, the system further comprises:scan command means for outputting commands for moving the film imagereproduced on the video monitor to four directions including upward,downward, rightward and leftward directions and other four directionsincluding right upward, left downward, left upward and right downwarddirections, respectively; first and second scan mechanisms for movingthe film, the taking lens and the image pick-up means relatively to oneanother in the vertical and lateral directions; and control means forcontrolling the first scan mechanism and/or the second scan mechanism inresponse to a command signal from the scan command means. Furthermore,the control means is characterized in that, when a command signal in theoblique direction is input into the control means from the scan commandmeans, a ratio in speed between the first scan mechanism and the secondscan mechanism comes to be proportional to an aspect ratio of the filmimage. Further, the system further includes: image pick-up meansrotating mechanism for rotating the image pick-up means between thelateral position and the longitudinal position thereof; detecting meansfor detecting the image magnification of the taking lens, the imagetakings position and the rotating position of the charge coupled device,respectively; and display means for displaying in a manner to besuperposed on each other a scope of a frame, which can be picked up whenthe image pick-up means is in the lateral position or in thelongitudinal position, respectively, and a scope of being picked up atpresent, the both scopes being detected in response to an output fromthe detecting means.

According to another specific form of the present invention, the filmimage input system wherein the image of the developed still photo filmis made to focus at the image sensing plane of the charge coupled devicethrough the taking lens to be converted into the electric signals andthe electric signals are input into the video monitor, to therebyreproduce the image on the screen of the video monitor, is characterizedin that the said system comprises: means for commanding the standardreproduction in order to return the scan position to the center of thefilm so that the whole frame of the film image can occupy the wholescreen of the video monitor, and to return the image magnification to apredetermined standard magnification; a detecting means for detectingthe image magnification of the taking lens and the taking position,respectively; and control means for controlling the zoom mechanism andthe scan mechanism to perform the standard reproduction in response to adetection output from the detecting means, when the standardreproduction is commanded. The system further comprises: zoom commandmeans for outputting a zoom command to zoom the taking lens; a zoommechanism for zooming the taking lens; a scan command means foroutputting a command to move the film image reproduced on the videomonitor; a scan mechanism for moving the film, the taking lens and thecharge coupled device relatively to one another; standard reproductioncommand means for outputting a standard reproduction command to returnthe taking lens to the standard magnification and return the scanposition of the frame of the film to the central position of the frame;and control means for controlling the zoom mechanism and the scanmechanism in response to command signals from the zoom command means,the scan command means and the standard reproduction command means,wherein at least one of the zoom speed and the scan speed in the case ofbeing controlled in response to the standard reproduction command meansis faster than the zoom speed and the scan speed in the case of beingcontrolled in response to the co,hand signals from the zoom commandmeans and the scan command means.

According to a further specific form of the present invention, the filmimage input system, wherein the image of the developed still photo filmis made to focus at the image sensing plane of the image pick-up meansthrough the taking lens to be converted into the electric signals andthe electric signals are input into the video monitor, to therebyreproduce the image on the screen of the video monitor, is characterizedin that the system comprises: a cartridge housing part for housing afilm cartridge having a spool, around which the developed still photofilm is wound, and disposing the film cartridge at a predeterminedposition in a main body of the film image input system; a lid openablyprovided on the front surface of the main body, for putting the filmcartridge in and taking it out of the cartridge housing part; and alighting unit provided in the lid, for illuminating the film.Furthermore, the system is provided with a locking means for locking thelid, which is releasable only when the whole film is rolled into thefilm cartridge.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, in the film image inputsystem comprising: the main body of the film image input system; thelighting unit provided at the side portion in the main body; the takinglens provided in the main body and having an optical axis in parallel toat least the front surface of the main body; a film feeding means forfeeding the developed still photo film between the lighting unit and thetaking lens; and image sensing means for image-sensing the image on thefilm to convert it into image signals and outputting the image signalsinto the video monitor; there is used the film cartridge having thespool, around which the film is wound, the film cartridge can be putinto and taken out of the front surface of the main body of the filmimage input system, and the film in the film cartridge is fed in thedirection perpendicularly intersecting the optical axis.

According to a still further specific form of the present invention, thefilm image input system wherein the developed still photo film isdeliverably guided by a film guide member provided between the lightingunit and the taking lens, the image on the film is made to focus at alight receiving plane of the charge coupled device through the takinglens, electric signals photo-electrically transduced in the chargecoupled device are output into the video monitor, is characterized inthat:

the system comprises a positioning pin implanted on the same base plateas a base plate, on which the taking lens is mounted, and coupled into apositioning hole formed in the bottom portion of the film guide member,three coil springs confined between the film guide member and the baseplate, three sets of first adjusting means for fastening the film guidemember to be coupled into the positioning pin against the resiliency ofthe coil springs, and second adjusting means provided between the filmguide member and the base plate, for rotating the film guide memberabout the positioning pin through the adjustment of the thread-in value,

three angles for determining the posture of the film guide member ismade adjustable by the first and second adjusting means, and

a scope of picking up the film and a mode of picking up the film in thelateral and longitudinal directions are displayed on a display device.

According to the present invention, the scan mechanism is controlled insuch a manner that the moving speed of the scan mechanism is decreasedwith the increase in the image magnification. With this arrangement, themoving speed of the screen of the video monitor during scan can be heldconstant or easily observed in accordance with the image modificationirrespective of the image magnification. Furthermore, the scope capableof scanning is restricted in accordance with the magnification, so thatthe portion other than the film image can be prevented from beingmonitored during scan. Further, when a command signal of an upward,downward, leftward or rightward direction is given from the scan commandmeans, the first or second scan mechanism is controlled to move thetaking position in a frame in the upward, downward, leftward orrightward direction. When a command signal of an oblique directionincluding a right upward, left upward or right downward direction isgiven, the first and second scan mechanisms are simultaneouslycontrolled to move the taking position in a frame in the obliquedirection. Particularly, when scan is performed in an oblique direction,the speed ratio between the first scan mechanism and the second scanmechanism is controlled to be proportional to an aspect ratio of thefilm image, so that scan can be performed in a diagonal direction of thefilm image. Moreover, it is clearly displayed that the scope of pick-upat present corresponds to some portion in the frame, so that it sets uprough standards for the scan operation and the zoom operation.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, when the standardreproduction is commanded, such control is performed that the scanposition is returned to the center of the film and the imagemagnification is returned to a predetermined image magnification so thatthe film image in the whole frame can occupy the whole screen of thevideo monitor, from an optional image magnification and scan position.With this arrangement, the standard reproduction can be performedeasily, and further, at least one of the zoom speed and the scan speedwhen the standard reproduction condition is restored is made faster thanthe zoom speed and the scan speed during manual operation, so that atime period from the operation of the standard reproduction commandmeans to the appearance of the image of the film in the standardreproduction condition can be shortened to a considerable extent.

Further, according to the present invention, the lighting unit isprovided in the lid, through which the film cartridge is put in andtaken out, so that the film image input system can be rendered compactin size. Furthermore, the lid can be provided on the front surface ofthe film image input system, so that the film cartridge can be easilyput into and taken out of the cartridge housing part.

Moreover, according to the present invention, the three angles fordetermining the posture of the film guide member to guide the developedstill photo film are adjusted, respectively, so that the taking lens andthe film surface can be adjusted in their postures relatively to eachother. Namely, the fastening value by the three sets of the firstadjusting means is adjusted, so that the heights of three points of thefilm guide member relative to the base plate can be determined.Furthermore, the thread-in value is adjusted by the second adjustingmeans, so that the film guide member can be suitably rotated about thepositioning pin in a plane specified by the determined heights of thethree points. Incidentally, one point of the film guide member ispositioned as a reference point by one positioning pin, so that not onlythe posture but also the position of the film can be kept within presetvalues of error.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The exact nature of this invention, as well as other objects andadvantages thereof, will be readily apparent free consideration of thefollowing specification relating to the accompanying drawings, in whichlike reference characters designates the same or similar partsthroughout the figures thereof and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a first example of the outerappearance of the film image input system according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the essential portions of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a second example of the outerappearance of the film image input system according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a third example of the outerappearance of the film image input system according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the filmimage input system as shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the locking mechanism in the lid ofthe film image input system according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the essential portions shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing another example of the detector fordetecting that the whole film is wound up by the film cartridge;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a further example of the detectorfor detecting that the whole film is wound up by the film cartridge;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a fourth example of the outerappearance of the film image input system according to the presentinvention:

FIG. 11 is a front view mainly showing the film guide mechanism in thefilm image input system as shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along the line 12--12 in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the internal arrangement of the filmimage input system according to the present invention;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged plan view showing an embodiment of the operationpart in FIG. 13;

FIGS. 15(A) and 15(B) are plan views of display pictures for explainingthe lateral standard reproduction, respectively;

FIGS. 16(A) and 16(B) are plan views of display pictures for explainingthe longitudinal standard reproduction;

FIG. 17 is a graphic chart showing a relationship between the scan speedand the focal length of the zoom lens;

FIG. 18 is a graphic chart showing a relationship between the scan scopeand the focal length of the zoom lens;

FIG. 19 is a plan view explaining the display device in FIG. 13;

FIGS. 20(A) and 20(B) are plan views showing the content of display ofthe display device in FIG. 13;

FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing the operations corresponding to variousbutton operations in the operation part;

FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing the leftward rotation control performedwhen a rotation command button of the operation part is operated;

FIG. 23 is a flow chart showing the rightward rotation control performedwhen the rotation command button of the operation part is operated;

FIG. 24 is a flow chart showing the standard reproduction controlperformed when a standard button of the operation part is operated;

FIG. 25 is a flow chart for discriminating as to which button out of thescan buttons of the operation part is operated;

FIG. 26 is a flow chart showing the control for scan in an upwarddirection;

FIG. 27 is a flow chart showing the control for scan in a downwarddirection;

FIG. 28 is a flow chart showing the control for scan in a leftwarddirection;

FIG. 29 is a flow chart showing the control for scan in a rightwarddirection;

FIG. 30 is a flow chart showing the control for scan in a right upwarddirection;

FIG. 31 is a flow chart showing the control for scan in a right downwarddirection;

FIG. 32 is a flow chart showing the control for scan in a left upwarddirection;

FIG. 33 is a flow chart showing the control for scan in a left downwarddirection;

FIG. 34 is an enlarged plan view showing another embodiment of theoperation part shown in FIG. 13; and

FIG. 35 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the conventionalfilm image input system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Detailed description will hereunder be given of the preferredembodiments of a film image input system according to the presentinvention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(A first embodiment)

FIG. 1 is the perspective view showing the first example of the outerappearance of the film image input system according to the presentinvention. As shown in FIG. 1, a main body 11 of the film image inputsystem 10 is formed to provide a rectangular parallelopiped, at thefront portion of which is openably provided a lid 14, in which alighting unit 12 is disposed. As shown in FIG. 2, the lid 14 issupported rotatably in a direction indicated by arrows A and B on themain body 11 through a pin 16. A reflector plate 18 having a section ofa substantially inversed C letter shape is provided on the inner surfaceof the lid 14, a light source 20 is provided inside the reflector plate18, and a diffuser plate 22 is provided forwardly of the light source20. A light thrown forwardly from the light source 20 is diffused by thediffuser plate 22, while, a light thrown rearwardly, namely, in thedirection of the reflector plate 18 is reflected by the reflector plate18 and led to the diffuser plate 22. As described above, the lightthrown from the light source 20 is led to a taking lens 24 through thediffuser plate 22.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1, the main body 11 of the film imageinput system 10 is formed thereon with a cartridge housing part 28 forhousing a film cartridge 26. This cartridge housing part 28 is providedon the optical axis of the taking lens 24 and interposed between thetaking lens 24 and the lighting unit 12. Accordingly, when the lid 14 isrotated in the closing direction with the film cartridge 26 being housedin the cartridge housing part 28, the film cartridge 26 is disposed onthe optical axis of the taking lens and interposed between the lens unit24 and the lighting unit 12.

Here, the cartridge housing part 28 is not illustrated in detail.However, in the cartridge housing part 28, the well known take-upmechanism engageable with a spool of the film cartridge 26 is provided,so that frame feeding for the film and so forth in the film cartridge 26can be performed.

Additionally, in FIG. 1, designated at 32 is an operation panel and 34 acharge coupled device (CCD). An image signal output from the CCD 34through an image signal process circuit, not shown, is applied to avideo monitor, not shown, and a film image is reproduced on a screen ofthe video monitor.

Action of the film image input system with the above-describedarrangement according to the present invention will be described.

First, the lid 14 is brought into the opened condition as shown in FIG.1, and the film cartridge 26 is housed in the cartridge housing part 28.Next, the lid 14 is rotated in the closing direction and the cartridgehousing part 28 is closed (Refer to FIG. 2). With this operation, thelight source 20, the film cartridge 26, the taking lens 24 and the CCD34 are arranged on one and the same optical axis, whereby an imagerecorded on the film of the film cartridge 26 is made to focus at theCCD 34 through the taking lens 24. By this, the film image is convertedinto electric signals and output.

FIG. 3 is the perspective view showing the second example of the outerappearance of the film image input system according to the presentinvention. In the above embodiment, the film cartridge 26 is directlyhoused in the cartridge housing part 28 provided on the side of the mainbody 11, however, the present invention is not limited to this, and acartridge holder 42 holding the film cartridge 26 may be provided on therear surface of a lid 40 as shown in FIG. 3.

Incidentally, in the above embodiment, explanation has been given of thecase where the film cartridge 26 having two spools is used, however, thepresent invention is not limited to this, and the present invention isapplicable to the film cartridge having one spool. Furthermore, in theabove embodiment, the lid is made operable by use of a hinged type one,however, the present invention is not limited to this, and the lid whichslides back and forth may be used.

(A second embodiment)

FIG. 4 is the perspective view showing the third example of the outerappearance of the film image input system according to the presentinvention. As shown in FIG. 4, a main body 112 of a film image inputsystem 110 according to the present invention is formed to provide arectangular parallelopiped similar to that shown in the firstembodiment, and, in this main body 112, a taking lens 114 is providedwith the optical axis thereof being in parallel to a front surface 112Aof the main body 112. In FIG. 4, a lighting unit 116 is provided on theoptical axis of the taking lens 114 on the left side of the taking lens114, i.e. on the left side of the main body 112. This lighting unit 116can illuminate a film to be described hereunder, from behind.Furthermore, a taking lens 118 such as a CCD or the like is disposed onthe optical axis of the taking lens 114 at the right side of the takinglens 114, i.e. in the rear thereof. Accordingly, the lighting unit 116,the taking lens 114 and the CCD 118 are arranged in a line on theoptical axis of the taking lens 114 being in parallel to the frontsurface 112A of the main body 112.

Furthermore, a lid 120 is openably provided on the front surface 112A ofthe main body 112, so that a cartridge housing part 122 can be opened orclosed by the rotation of the lid 120. The cartridge housing part 122 isprovided between the lighting unit 116 and the taking lens 114 and infront of the lighting unit 116 in FIG. 4. Further, the cartridge housingpart 122 is provided therein with a film supply mechanism 123, and afilm take-up mechanism 124 is provided behind the cartridge housing part122. With this arrangement, a film cartridge 126 is housed in thecartridge housing part 122. When a film is delivered from the filmcartridge 126 by the film supply mechanism 123, the film is taken up bythe film take-up mechanism 124. The film thus delivered is illuminatedby the lighting unit 116. Incidentally, designated at 128 in FIG. 4 isan operation panel.

Action of the film image input system with the above-describedarrangement according to the present invention will be described.

First, as shown in FIG. 4, the lid 120 is opened and the film cartridge126 is housed in the cartridge housing part 122, and thereafter, the lid120 is closed. With this operation, the film cartridge 126 is housed inthe main body 112 and a spool of the film cartridge 126 is engaged witha supply reel of the film supply mechanism 123. Subsequently, the filmin the film cartridge 126 is delivered by the film supply mechanism 123,and thereafter, the forward end of the film is taken up by the filmtake-up mechanism 124.

Next, when the operation panel 128 is operated, or a remote control, notshown, is operated to command the reproduction of the film image, thelighting unit 116 is lighted up, the light thrown out of this lightingunit 116 passes through the film, falls into the taking lens 114 and ismade to focus at the CCD 118. With this operation, the film image isconverted into electric signals in the CCD 118 and the electric signalsare output into a video monitor through an image signal process circuit,not shown. As described above, according to the present invention, thelighting unit 116 is provided on the side portion of the main body 112and the taking lens 114 is disposed with the optical axis thereof beingin parallel to the front surface 112A of the main body 112, so that thefilm cartridge 126 can be mounted or detached through the front surface112A of the main body 112.

FIG. 5 is the perspective view showing the modified example of the filmimage input system shown in FIG. 4. In the above embodiment, the takinglens 114, the lighting unit 116 and the CCD 118 are arranged on theoptical axis in parallel to the front surface 112A of the main body 112,however, as shown in FIG. 5, a reflecting mirror 130 may be provided forreflecting a light from the lighting unit 116 at the reflecting mirror130, to change the direction of the light. With this arrangement, thedispositions of the taking lens 116 and the CCD 118 can be changed, sothat the degree of freedom in design can be improved. Incidentally, theportions in FIG. 5, which are common with those in FIG. 4 are denoted bythe same reference numerals and the detailed description thereof will beomitted.

Incidentally, in the above embodiment, description has been given of thefilm cartridge having one spool, however, the present invention is notlimited to this, and the present invention may be applied to a filmcartridge having two spools. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, thehinged type lid wherein the rotary shaft is disposed in the verticaldirection is used, however, the present invention is not limited tothis, and a sliding lid slidable back and forth may be adopted or ahinge shaft of the lid may be provided in the lateral direction as shownin FIG. 6.

A locking mechanism of a lid 140 will hereunder be described withreference to FIG. 6.

FIG. 6 is the perspective view showing the locking mechanism in the lidof the film image input system according to the present invention. Asshown in FIG. 6, a lid 140 is rotatably supported on a main body 143 ofthe film image input system through shafts 142, 142, and urged in acounterclockwise direction (a direction indicated by an arrow A in FIG.6) about the shafts 142 by a spring 144 in FIG. 6. The lid 140 is formedwith a lock member 140A which is engaged with a pawl 146A of a lever 146for locking. This lever 146 is urged in a clockwise direction about ashaft 145 by a spring 149 in the drawing. With this arrangement, the lid140 is locked in a state of closing a housing opening of a filmcartridge 148.

On the other hand, a film sensing lever 150 is rotatably supported onthe main body 143 of the film image input system through a shaft 152.Furthermore, the film sensing lever 150 is urged in a counterclockwisedirection, i.e. a direction of abutting against a film 148A in thedrawing about a shaft 152 through the resiliency of a spring 154. Withthis arrangement, a probe 150A at a bent portion at the top end of thefilm sensing lever 150 is in abutting contact with the film 148Adelivered from a film cartridge 148.

The top end of a spring 154 is engaged with an ejector preventing plate156 to urge it downwardly.

The ejector preventing plate 156 is formed therein with slots 156A, 156Afor guiding, into which are inserted pins 158, 158 provided on the mainbody 143 of the film image input system. With this arrangement, theejector preventing plate 156 cam slide relative to the main body 143 inthe vertical direction. Accordingly, for example, when the film 148A istaken up by the film cartridge 148, the probe 150A of the film sensinglever is released from the abutting contact with the film 148A, wherebythe film sensing lever 150 is rotated in a counterclockwise directionthrough the resiliency of the spring 152. Accordingly, the other end150B of the film sensing lever 150 abuts against the ejector preventingplate 156 to make the ejector preventing plate 156 slide upwardlyagainst the resiliency of the spring 154 (Refer to FIG. 7).

Further, an ejector knob 160 is provided on the side of the main body143. As shown in FIG. 7, the ejector knob 160 can be pushed into themain body 143 through a compression spring 162. Accordingly, when theejector preventing plate 156 has slid upwardly as described above (Referto FIG. 7), the ejector knob 160 can be pushed in. Then, the ejectorknob 160 is pushed in against the resiliency of a spring 162, whereby apin 160A of the ejector knob 160 is pushed into and passed through acutaway portion formed in the ejector preventing plate 156 and pressesthe lever 146. With this operation, the lever 146 is rotated in acounterclockwise direction against the resiliency of the spring 149,whereby the pawl 146A and the lock member 140A are released fromengagement, so that the lid 140 is rotated in a direction indicated byan arrow A in FIG. 7 through the resiliency of the spring 144 foropening.

On the other hand, when the probe 150A abuts against the film 148A andthe ejector preventing plate 156 is positioned downwardly through theresiliency of the spring 154 (Refer to FIG. 6), even if the ejector knob160 is pushed in, the pin 160A abuts against the ejector preventingplate 156 and the lid 140 is not opened.

As described above, according to the locking mechanism of the lid 140,unless the film is not completely taken up by the film cartridge 148,the lid 140 will not open.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the lid 140 is mechanically preventedfrom opening. However, such arrangement may be adopted that, as shown inFIG. 8, a switch 166 is abutted against the other end 1508 of the filmsensing lever 150, and, when the film 148A is taken up by the filmcartridge 148, the film sensing lever 150 is rotated in acounterclockwise direction through the resiliency of the spring 168 toturn a switch on, and an electric signal thus produced actuates asolenoid, not shown, for example, whereby the lever 146 in FIG. 6 isrotated in a direction of releasing the engagement between the pawl 146Aand the lock member 140A. Furthermore, other detecting means such as aphoto-interruptor may be used in place of the switch 166.

Furthermore, in place of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, such anarrangement may be adopted that, as shown in FIG. 9, the rotary numberof a supply shaft 170 of the film cartridge 148 is counted, and, fromthis counted value, it is detected that whether the film 148A iscompletely housed in the film cartridge 148 or not. Incidentally, inFIG. 9, designated at 171 is a rotary disc provided at the bottom endportion of the shaft 170, 172 a photo-interruptor for opticallydetecting the rotation of the rotary disc 171, 174 a counter, 176 amicrocomputer and 178 a memory.

(A third embodiment)

FIG. 10 is the perspective view showing the fourth example of the outerappearance of the film image input system according to the presentinvention. As shown in FIG. 10, a long developed still photo film ishoused in a film cartridge 202 having one spool 202A, this filmcartridge 202 is housed in a cartridge holder 203 and set in a cartridgemounting part of a film image input system 200 by use of the cartridgeholder 203.

A film in the film cartridge 202 set in the cartridge mounting part isfed out of the film cartridge 202, wound around a take-up reel 204, andthereafter, taken up by the take-up reel 204 frame by frame. Each frameof the film thus frame-fed is illuminated by a light unit 205, the filmimage of the frame thus illuminated is picked up by a taking lens 206and made to focus at photo cells of the light receiving plane of a CCD207, where the image is converted into image signals. These imagesignals are output into a video monitor, not shown, whereby the filmimage is reproduced.

A film guide mechanism of this film image input system 200 willhereunder be described in detail.

FIG. 11 is the front view mainly showing the film guide mechanism asviewed from the side of the lighting unit 205 in FIG. 10. Furthermore,FIG. 12 is the sectional view taken along the line 12--12 in FIG. 11.

As shown in FIG. 11, a supply reel 209 and the take-up reel 204 arerotatably provided on a base plate 208. Furthermore, a positioning pin211 and three support pins 212A, 212B and 212C each having an internallythreaded portion, for mounting a film guide member 210, are implanted ona base plate 208. Additionally, an image-sensing unit, wherein thetaking lens 206 and the CCD 207 as shown in FIG. 10 are integrated, ismounted on the base plate 208.

A hole 210A for receiving the positioning pin 211 is formed in thebottom surface of the film guide member 210, and by use of thispositioning pin 211, the film guide member 210 can be positioned with apredetermined accuracy, using a point (hole 210A) of the film guidemember 210 as a reference point.

The support pins 212A, 212B and 212C are inserted through coil springs214A, 214B and 214C, respectively, the film guide member 210 isresiliently supported through these coil springs 214A, 214B and 214C,and the height of the film guide member 210 on the support pins 212A,212B and 212C can be adjusted, respectively, by screws 213A, 213B and213C (FIG. 12) which are threadably coupled onto the support pins 212A,212B and 212C. Accordingly, the thread-in values of the screws 213A and213B are adjusted, whereby the height of the film guide member 210 onthe support pins 212A and 212B is adjusted, respectively, so that thefilm guide member 210 can be adjusted to be erected vertically to thebase plate 208. Furthermore, the thread-in values of the screws 213B and213C are adjusted, whereby the height of the film guide member 210 onthe support pins 212B and 212C is adjusted, respectively, so that thefilm guide member 210 can be adjusted to be in parallel to the baseplate 208.

Namely, the thread-in values of the three screws 213A, 213B and 213C areadjusted, so that the film guide member 210 can be adjusted to be inparallel to the base plate 208.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12, an angle 215 is fixed to thebase plate 208 through a screw 216, a screw 217 is fixed to one end ofthis angle 215, and the screw 217 can be threadably coupled to the sideportion of the film guide member 210. Rotation of this screw 217 makesit possible to rotate the film guide member 210 adjusted to be inparallel to the base plate 208 about the positioning pin 211 with thefilm guide member 210 holding the parallel state.

By adjusting the thread-in values of the three screws 213A, 213B, 213Cand the screw 217, three angles for determining the posture of the filmguide member 210, with which the film surface perpendicularly intersectsthe optical axis of the taking lens 206 can be adjusted.

Incidentally, the positioning pin 211 is disposed vertically beneath thefilm 201 guided by the film guide member 210, a film 201 is positionedwith a predetermined accuracy not only by its posture but also by thepositioning pin 211.

Now, the film guide member 210 is provided with a film housing part 210Bhousing the film cartridge 202 contained in the cartridge holder 203 andanother film housing part 210C, in which a take-up shaft 204A of thetake-up reel 204 is disposed, is formed with a window 210D, to which oneframe of the film image of a film 201 is exposed, between these filmhousing parts 210B and 210C, and further, formed with guide grooves 210Eand 210F for guiding the top end and the bottom end of the film 201.

Furthermore, guide rollers 218, 219 and guide rollers 220, 221 arerespectively provided at an inlet side and an outlet side of the window210D of the film guide member 210, i.e. at an inlet side and an outletside of an image-sensing region where image sensing is performed by thetaking lens 206.

The pair of guide rollers 218, 219 are provided for guiding the film 201in a flexed shape of S or Z letter, and similarly, the guide rollers220, 221 are provided for guiding the film 201 in a flexed shape of S orZ letter. The flatness of the film can be obtained by these guiderollers 218, 219, 220 and 221.

On the other hand, a tongue piece 222 extending from the guide roller220 to the take-up shaft 204A is provided in this film guide member 210.This guide tongue piece 222 is made of a material (for example, vinylchloride) softer than the film having the flexibility, and has a shapeshown by hatched lines in FIG. 11.

Particularly when the forward end of the film 201 delivered from thefilm cartridge 202 is automatically wound around the take-up shaft 204A,this guide tongue piece 222 guides the forward end of the film to thetake-up side of the take-up shaft 204A (to the left of the take-up shaft204A in FIG. 12). Namely, the developed film is strongly curls, however,this guide tongue piece 222 prevents the forward end of the film fromintruding into the right side of the take-up shaft 204A. Furthermore,when the film 201 is taken up by the take-up shaft 204A and the diameterof widing of the film 201 gradually increases, the guide tongue piece222 is retracted while abutting against the outer-most circumference ofthe film.

Incidentally, in FIG. 12, film keepers 225 and 226 are provided aroundthe take-up shaft 204A and the forward ends of these film keepers 225and 226 can abut against the take-up shaft 204A or the film taken up bythe taken-up shaft 204A, respectively, through the resiliency of torsionsprings 225A and 226A. Furthermore, pawls 204B engageable withperforations of the film 201 are formed around the take-up shaft 204A.Accordingly, the film 201 is delivered from the film cartridge 202, theforward end thereof is guided by the guide tongue piece 222 and the filmkeepers 225, 226 and wound around the take-up shaft 204A, andthereafter, when the take-up shaft 204A is rotated in the take-updirection, the pawls 204B of the take-up shaft 204A engage theperforations of the film 201 to take up the film 201.

(A fourth embodiment)

FIG. 13 is the block diagram showing the internal arrangement of thefilm image input system according to the present invention. As shown inFIG. 13, a film image input system 310 image-senses the developed stillphoto film with an image-sensing device, outputs image signals to avideo monitor 319 and produces the image on the video monitor 319, andcomprises a lighting unit 312, an taking lens 314, a charge coupleddevice (CCD) 316 and an image signal process circuit 317. The lightingunit 312 includes a light source 318, a reflector plate 320 and adiffuser plate 322. The reflector plate 320 effectively reflects a lightthrown from the light source 318 to the diffuser plate 322 which canform the thrown light into a diffused light. This diffused lightilluminates the image of a film 324 and is led to the taking lens 314.

The taking lens 314 is a zoom lens including a variable power lens 326.In this taking lens, the variable power lens 326 is moved laterally inFIG. 13 by a zoom driving part 328 for receiving a zoom signal from acontrol part 332, to thereby perform a zoom operation. With thisoperation, the taking lens 314 can perform zoom-in and zoom-out of theimage of the film 324. Furthermore, a zoom position detecting part 330can detect a moving position (zoom information) of the variable powerlens 326 and give the position information to the control part 332.

Furthermore, the film 324 is housed in a film cartridge having one shaftor two shafts, not shown, as in a form of a developed negative orpositive film. Winding in or winding out of the film by the filmcartridge is performed through the agency of a lateral film driving part334 for receiving a film feed signal from the control part 332, and thefilm 324 is moved laterally (in a direction perpendicularly intersectingthe paper surface in FIG. 13). On the other hand, the taking lens 314and the CCD 316 can be moved longitudinally by a longitudinal lensdriving part 338 for receiving a scan signal from the control part 332.With this arrangement, the image of the film 324 can be scannedvertically and laterally.

The light of the image picked up by the taking lens 314 is made to focusat a light receiving plane of the CCD 316, and converted into signalloads having the amounts corresponding to the strengths of the light bysensors of the CCD 316. The signal loads are successively read out andinput into the image signal process circuit 317. The image signalprocess circuit 317 includes a sample hold circuit, a white balancecircuit, a γ correction circuit, a matrix circuit, an encoder circuitand the like. These circuits perform predetermined signal processes, andthereafter, the image signals are output into the video monitor 319.With this arrangement, the image of the film 324 is displayed on thevideo monitor 319. Additionally, when the film 324 is a negative film, asignal process for negative/positive conversion is performed in theimage signal process circuit 317 as well.

Furthermore, the CCD 316 can be rotated through ±90° by a CCD rotatingpart 340 for receiving a longitudinal-lateral change-over signal fromthe control part 332, whereby a rotating position detecting part 342detects a rotating position of the CCD 316 and delivers the positioninformation to the control part 332. A film informationrecording/reproducing part 344 records film information (for example,zoom information, scan position information, CCD rotation informationand the like) on magnetic record planes for the respective frames of thefilm 324 and the like in response to signals from the control part 332,reads out the film information from the film 324 and outputs it to thecontrol part 332. Additionally, the film 324 is provided with notcheseach previously showing a position of frame for each frame. A framedetecting means, not shown, for detecting the notch can detect that eachframe has been frame-fed to a predetermined taking position.

This control part 332 outputs various control signals to a zoom drivingpart 328, the CCD rotating part 340, the lateral film driving part 334and the longitudinal lens driving part 338 in response to signals fromthe zoom position detecting part 330, a rotating position detecting part342, the film information recording/reproducing part 344 and anoperation part 346 to be described hereunder, and, when necessary,outputs the film information to the film informationrecording/reproducing part 344, where the film information is recordedon the film 324.

FIG. 14 is the plan view showing the embodiment of the operation part346 in detail as shown in FIG. 13. As shown in FIG. 14, the operationpart 346 is provided with frame feed buttons 346A and 346B forcommanding the frame feeding of the film 324, scan buttons 346C, 346D,346E and 346F for commanding the scan of a picture within a frame,rotation command buttons 346G and 346H for commanding the rotation ofthe CCD 316, and zoom buttons 346I and 346J for commanding the zoom-inand zoom-out of the film image. Further, the operation part 346 isprovided with an auto button 350 and a standard button 351. The autobutton 350 can select any one of modes of three types including a manualmode, an auto mode and a standard mode.

Here, the manual mode refers to a mode reproduced with the scan positionoperated by the scan buttons 346C, 346D, 346E and 346F and the zoomposition operated by the zoom buttons 346I and 346J being held as theyare when the film 324 is frame-fed anew, and the auto mode refers to amode reproduced in accordance with the film information such as theimage magnification and the scan position as recorded in the film 324.Further, the standard mode refers to a mode reproduced when the scanposition is returned to the center of the film and the imagemagnification is returned to the standard magnification (standardreproduction).

Incidentally, the standard reproduction includes a lateral standardreproduction and a longitudinal standard reproduction. The former andthe latter are different in standard magnification and rotating positionof the CCD 316 during reproduction from each other. Namely, the standardmagnification includes a lateral standard modification corresponding tothe case where a picture picked up in a frame of the film 324 islaterally long and a longitudinal standard modification corresponding tothe case where a picture picked up in a frame is longitudinally long.Furthermore, the lateral standard modification includes magnificationsof two types. Namely, one of the modifications regarded as the first oneof the lateral standard modification refers to a modification whereinright and left edges of a frame 324A of the film 324 coincide with rightand left edges of a screen of the video monitor as shown in FIG. 15(A).In this case, since the film (aspect ratio 2:3) and the screen of themonitor (aspect ratio 3:4) are different in aspect ratio from eachother, blank portions are formed in the top end and the bottom end ofthe screen of the monitor. Furthermore, the other of the modificationsregarded as the second one of the lateral standard modification refersto a modification wherein top and bottom edges of the frame of the film324 coincide with top and bottom edges of the screen of the monitor asshown in FIG.15(B). In this case, portions 324B and 324C at oppositesides of the image of the film are blank and not monitored.

On the other hand, the longitudinal standard modification is such amodification that, when the CCD 316 is rotated through 90° to make thepicture picked up in a longitudinally long shape in the frame correctlyerected as will be described hereunder, the top and bottom edges of thepicture coincide with the top and bottom edges of the screen of themonitor. Namely, when a picture picked up in a longitudinally long shapein the frame is brought into the lateral standard reproduction, thepicture is displayed as in FIG. 16(A). When the CCD 316 is rotatedthrough 90° in the above state and the taking lens 314 is turned to havethe longitudinal standard magnification, the longitudinal standardreproduction as shown in FIG. 16(B) is brought about.

Furthermore, upon receiving the scan signals from the scan buttons 346C,346D, 346E and 346F, the control part 332 outputs control signals to thelateral film driving part 334 and the longitudinal lens driving part 338in such a manner that feed speeds of the film 324 supplied by thelateral film driving part 334 and feed speeds of the taking lens 314supplied by the longitudinal lens driving part 338 (hereinafter, thesefeed speeds are referred to as "scan speeds") are changed on the basisof the zoom position information of the taking lens 314 output from thezoom position detecting part 330. Namely, as shown in FIG. 17, thecontrol part 332 outputs control signals to the lateral film drivingpart 334 and the longitudinal lens driving part 338 so as to decreasethe scan speeds with the increase in the image magnification (focallength) of the taking lens 314, whereby the moving speed of the screenof the video monitor 319 is held constant irrespective of the imagemagnification of the taking lens 314.

Incidentally, in the above embodiment, the moving speed of the screen ofthe video monitor 319 is held constant during scan, however, the presentinvention is not limited to this and the moving speed may be controlledto a speed easily observed in accordance with the image modification.Namely, control is made in such a manner that the scan speed isdecreased with the increase of the image magnification and the movingspeed of the screen when the image magnification is small is somewhatslower than the moving speed of the screen when the image magnificationis large. The reason resides in that, if the moving speed of the screenis constant, then the picture having small details when the imagemagnification is small is sensibly felt fast as compared with thepicture having rough details when the image magnification is large.Furthermore, in FIG. 17, a solid line shows the case where the scanspeed is continuously changed relative to the image magnification and adotted line shows the case where the scan speed is gradually changed ina stair-step relative to the image magnification.

Action of the film image input system with the above-describedarrangement according to the present invention will hereunder bedescribed.

First, the film cartridge having the film 324 is set in the film imageinput system 310. With this arrangement, the control part 332 controlsthe lateral film driving part 334 so as to position the first framebetween the lighting unit 312 and the taking lens 314. This frame isilluminated by the lighting unit 312 and put in the screen of the videomonitor 319 through the taking lens 314, the CCD 316 and the imagesignal process circuit 317.

When the film image displayed in this state is to be zoomed, the zoombuttons 346I and 346J of the operation part 346 are operated to givezoom signals to the control part 332. The control part 332 controls thezoom driving part 328 in response to the above-mentioned zoom signals sothat the variable power lens 326 of the taking lens 314 is moved.

On the other hand, when the displayed film image is to be scanned, thescan buttons 346C, 346D, 346E and 346F of the operation part 346 areoperated to output the scan signals to the control part 332. The controlpart 332 receives the zoom position information from the zoom positiondetecting part 330, and controls the lateral film driving part 334 andthe longitudinal lens driving part 338 in response to the scan signalsand the zoom position information. Namely, the control part 332 movesthe film 324 or the taking lens 314 in the scan direction correspondingto the scan signals, and controls the scan speeds on the basis of theabove-mentioned zoom position information (image magnification) as shownin a graphic chart in FIG. 17.

Incidentally, the zoom position information, the scan positioninformation, the CCD rotation information and the like, when necessary,may be recorded in a magnetic recording layer of the frame from thecontrol part 332 through the film information recording/reproducing part344 at the time of the frame feeding.

In the above embodiment, the scan speeds are changed in accordance withthe zoom position information of the taking lens 314 and the movingspeed of the screen of the video monitor 314 at the time of scan is madeconstant. However, further, the control part 332 can specify the scanscopes of the lateral film driving part 334 and the longitudinal lensdriving part 338 on the basis of the zoom position information of thetaking lens 314. Namely, as shown in FIG. 18, the control part 332increases the scan scopes, within which the lateral film driving part334 and the longitudinal lens driving part 338 are movable, with theincrease in the image magnification of the taking lens 314, anddecreases the scan scopes, within which the lateral film driving part334 and the longitudinal lens driving part 338 are movable, with thedecrease in the image magnification of the taking lens 314. Control ofthe scan scopes as described above makes it possible not to monitorportions other than the film image at the time of scan.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 13, the film image input system 310 isprovided with a display device 348. The zoom position information andthe scan position information are given to the display device 348 fromthe control part 332, and the display device 348 displays theabove-mentioned information on a screen thereof.

As shown in FIG. 19, the information displayed on the screen of thedisplay device 348 includes: a subject area 356 defined by a line 356A;border lines 352A and 354A showing film image areas 352 and 354 showingthe whole areas of the film image in the longitudinal and lateralstandard reproduction conditions, respectively; and an observation area358 within a line 358A made to focus at the CCD 316 through the takinglens 314 (i.e. a film image being observed by the video monitor 319 atpresent). Incidentally, the subject area 356, for example, is formedsuch that the whole area of the film image in the longitudinal standardreproduction condition occupies the whole area thereof and the aspectratio of the area 356 is 4:3 similarly to the aspect ratio of the videomonitor 319. However, one larger than this may be adopted.

As shown in FIGS. 20(A) and 20(B), when the film picked up with a camerabeing held horizontally is put in the screen of the video monitor 319,the border line 354A of the film image area 354 showing the lateralstandard reproduction condition is displayed (Refer to FIG. 20A), andwhen the film picked up with the camera being held longitudinally is putin the screen of the video monitor 319, the border line 352A of the filmimage area 352 showing the longitudinal standard reproduction conditionis displayed (Refer to FIG. 20(B)).

With this arrangement, if the screen of the display device 348 iswatched, it is immediately known whether the film image is alongitudinal image or a lateral image, and, at a glance, it is knownwhat portion of a frame is scanned or to what degree the image iszoomed.

Incidentally, as to which of the border line 352A or 354A is chosen,automatic selection can be performed on the basis of the CCD rotationinformation and the like. Furthermore, the border line 354A is displayedby a dotted line, however, a border line 352A' superposed on theobservation area 358 is displayed by a solid line. Furthermore, thesubject area 356 other than the observation area 358 and the observationarea 358 are displayed by colors different from each other, or colorsdark or light so that they can be discriminated on the screen.

Further detailed operations of the film image input system by the buttonoperations of the operation part 346 will hereunder be described.

As shown in FIG. 21, the control part 332 discriminates as to whatbutton of the operation part 346 is operated (Step 360), and, if abutton is operated, performs the control according to the type of theoperated button. Namely, when the rotation command buttons 346G, 346H,the zoom buttons 346I, 346J, the frame feeding buttons 346A, 346B, thestandard button 351, the auto button 350, or the scan buttons 346C,346D, 346E and 346F are operated, respectively, the control part 332performs a leftward rotation control 361 for rotating to left a pictureon the screen of the video monitor 319, a rightward rotation control 362for rotating to right the picture on the screen of the video monitor319, a control 363 for zooming the taking lens 314 in a wide direction,a control 364 for zooming the taking lens in a tele direction, a control365 for feeding the frame in the forward direction, a control 366 forfeeding the frame in the reverse direction, a standard reproductioncontrol 367 for reproducing the film image in the standard condition, acontrol 368 for reproducing the film image in accordance with the filminformation recorded in the film 324 or a scan control 369 for movingthe image taking position in a frame, respectively.

The leftward rotation control 361, the rightward rotation control 362,the standard reproduction control 367 and the scan control 369 willhereunder be described (CCD rotation).

FIG. 22 is the flow chart showing the leftward rotation controlperformed when the rotation command button 346G is operated.

As shown in FIG. 22, first, the rotating position information of the CCD316 is taken in from the rotating position detecting part 342 (Step401). This rotating position information includes a right longitudinalposition, a lateral position and a left longitudinal position. Here, thelateral position refers to a rotating position of the CCD 316, at whicha picture picked up in a laterally long shape in a frame of the film 324is reproduced while being correctly erected in the screen of the videomonitor. Furthermore, the right longitudinal position refers to aposition to which the CCD 316 is rotated 90° in a counterclockwisedirection (CCW direction) in reference to the lateral position as viewedfrom backside. By rotating the CCD 316 in this way, the picture on thescreen of the video monitor can be rotated through 90° to the right.Furthermore, the left longitudinal position refers to a position towhich the CCD 316 is rotated 90° in a clockwise direction (CW direction)in reference to the lateral position as viewed from backside. Byrotating the CCD 316 in this way, the picture on the screen of the videomonitor can be rotated through 90° to the left.

Now, when the rotating position information of the CCD 316 is judged tobe the lateral position in Step 402, a forward voltage is applied to aCCD motor to rotate the CCD 316 through 90° in the CW direction (Step403). With this operation, the picture on the screen of the videomonitor is rotated through 90° to the left. Then, the CCD rotatinginformation is rewritten to the left longitudinal position (Step 404),and thereafter, the process returns to a start shown in FIG. 21.

Furthermore, when the rotating position information of the CCD 316 isjudged to be the right longitudinal position in Step 402, similarly toStep 403, the forward voltage is applied to the CCD motor to rotate theCCD 316 through 90° in the CW direction (Step 405). Then, the rotatingposition information of the CCD 316 is rewritten to the lateral position(Step 404), and thereafter, the process returns to the start shown inFIG. 21.

On the other hand, when the rotating position information of the CCD 316is judged to be the left longitudinal position in Step 402, the CCD 316cannot be rotated in the CW direction. In this case, the processimmediately returns to the start shown in FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is the flow chart showing the rightward rotation controlperformed when the rotation command button 346H is operated.

As shown in FIG. 23, first, the rotating position information of the CCD316 is taken in from the rotating position detecting part 342 (Step411). Then, when the rotating position information of the CCD 316 isjudged to be the lateral position in Step 412, a backward voltage isapplied to the CCD motor to rotate the CCD 316 through 90° in the CCWdirection (Step 413). With this operation, the picture on the screen ofthe video monitor is rotated through 90° to the right. Then, the CCDrotating position information is rewritten to the right longitudinalposition, and thereafter, the process returns to the start shown in FIG.21.

Furthermore, when the rotating position information of the CCD 316 isjudged to be the left longitudinal position in Step 412, similarly toStep 413, the backward voltage is applied to the CCD motor to rotate theCCD 316 through 90° in the CCW direction (Step 415). Then, the CCDrotating position information is rewritten to the lateral position (Step414), and thereafter, the process returns to the start shown in FIG. 21.

On the other hand, when the rotating position information of the CCD 316is judged to be the right longitudinal position in Step 412, the CCD 316cannot be rotated in the CCW direction. In this case, the processimmediately returns to the start shown in FIG. 21.

(Standard reproduction)

FIG. 24 is the flow chart showing the standard reproduction controlperformed when the standard button 351 is operated.

As shown in FIG. 24, the rotating position information of the CCD 316 istaken in from the rotating position detecting part 342 (Step 421). Then,when the rotating position information of the CCD 316 is judged to bethe lateral position in Step 422, the zoom driving part 328 iscontrolled to make the magnification of the taking lens 314 become thelateral standard magnification. Namely, the zoom driving part 328 iscontrolled to make the zoom position detected by the zoom positiondetecting part 330 become the lateral standard magnification. Namely,the zoom driving part 328 is controlled to make the zoom positiondetected by the zoom position detecting part 330 become the zoomposition corresponding to the lateral standard magnification (Step 423).

Subsequently, information regarding the respective moving positions atpresent, i.e. the scan position information is taken in from a firstscan position detecting means, not shown, for detecting the movingposition in the vertical direction of the taking lens 314 and a secondscan position detecting means, not shown, for detecting the movingposition of the film 324 in reference to the position at which the framedetected (Step 424). A voltage is applied to a lens moving motor of thelongitudinal lens driving part 338 to make the scan position become thestandard position (position at which the optical axis of the taking lens314 coincides with the center of the frame) on the basis of this scanposition information, and a voltage is applied to a film feeding motorof the lateral film driving part 334 (Steps 425, 426). With theseoperations, the film image is reproduced on the screen of the videomonitor 319 in the lateral standard condition.

Then, the zoom position information and the scan position informationare rewritten (Steps 427, 428), and thereafter, the process returns tothe start shown in FIG. 21.

On the other hand, when the rotating position information of the CCD 316is judged to be the left longitudinal position or the right longitudinalposition, the zoom driving part 328 is controlled to make themagnification of the taking lens 314 become the longitudinal standardmagnification (Step 429), and thereafter, similarly to the above, theprocess proceeds from Step 424 to 428. With this operation, the filmimage is reproduced on the screen of the video monitor 319 in thelongitudinal standard condition.

(Scan)

FIGS. 25 through 33 are the flow charts showing the scan control when atleast one of the scan buttons 346C, 346D, 346E and 346F is operated.

FIG. 25 is the flow chart for discriminating as to which button out ofthe scan buttons 346C, 346D, 346E and 346F is operated. The control part332 performs scans in eight directions including upward, downward,leftward, rightward, right upward, right downward, left upward and leftdownward directions in accordance with the button operations.

As shown in FIG. 25, first, discrimination is made as to whether theupward scan button 346C is on or not (Step 431), and, when "on" isdiscriminated, subsequently, discrimination is made as to whether thedownward scan button 346D is on or not (Step 432), and here, when "on"is discriminated, the scans of the upward and the downward directionopposing to each other are commanded, whereby the process returns withno scan.

On the other hand, when "off" is discriminated in Step 432,subsequently, discrimination is made as to whether the rightward scanbutton 346F is on or not (Step 433), and, when "on" is discriminated,further, discrimination is made as to whether the leftward scan button346E is on or not (Step 434). Here, when "on" is discriminated, scans inthe rightward direction and the leftward direction opposing to eachother are commanded, whereby the process returns with no scan. 0n theother hand, when "off" is discriminated in Step 434, it means that onlythe upward scan button 346C and the rightward scan button 346F are on,whereby the right upward scan shown in FIG. 30 is performed.

Furthermore, when "off" is discriminated in Step 433, subsequently,discrimination is made as to whether the leftward scan button 364E is onor not (Step 435). When "on" is discriminated, it means that only theupward scan button 346C and the leftward scan button 346E are on,whereby the left upward scan shown in FIG. 32 is performed. On the otherhand, when "off" is discriminated in Step 435, it means that only theupward scan button 346C is on, whereby the upward scan shown in FIG. 26is performed.

On the other hand, when "off" is discriminated in Step 431,subsequently, discrimination is made as to whether the downward scanbutton 346D is on or not (Step 436). Here, when "on" is discriminated,subsequently, discrimination is made as to whether the rightward scanbutton 346F is on or not (Step 437). When "on" is discriminated,further, discrimination is made as to whether the leftward scan button346E is on or not (Step 438). Here, when "on" is discriminated, sincethe rightward scan and the leftward scan opposing to each other arecommanded, the process returns without scan. On the other hand, "off" isdiscriminated in Step 438, it means that only the downward scan button346D and the rightward scan button 346F are on, whereby the rightdownward scan shown in FIG. 31 is performed.

Furthermore, when "off" is discriminated in Step 437, subsequently,discrimination is made as to whether the left scan button 346E is on ornot (Step 439). When "on" is discriminated, it means that only thedownward scan button 346D and the leftward scan button 346E are on,whereby the left downward scan shown in FIG. 33 is performed. On theother hand, "off" is discriminated in Step 439, it means that only thedownward scan button 346D is on, whereby the downward scan shown in FIG.27 is performed.

FIG. 26 is the flow chart showing the control of the upward scan.

As shown in FIG. 26, first, the rotating position information of the CCD316 is taken in from the rotating position detecting part 342 (Step451). Then, when the rotating position information of the CCD 316 isjudged to be the lateral position in Step 452, the backward voltage isapplied to the lens moving motor to move the taking lens 314 downwardly(Step 453). With this operation, the picture on the screen of the videomonitor moves upwardly. Then, the scan position information is rewritten(Step 454), and thereafter, the process returns to the start shown inFIG. 21.

Furthermore, when the rotating position information of the CCD 316 isjudged to be the right longitudinal position in Step 452, the backwardvoltage is applied to the film feeding motor to move the film in thebackward direction, whereby the picture on the screen of a TV is movedupwardly (Step 455). Then, the scan position information is rewritten(Step 454), and thereafter, the process returns to the start shown inFIG. 21.

On the other hand, when the rotating position information of the CCD 316is judged to be the left longitudinal position in Step 452, the forwardvoltage is applied to the film feeding motor to move the film in theforward direction, whereby the picture on the screen of the TV is movedupwardly (Step 456). Then, the scan position information is rewritten(Step 454), and thereafter, the process returns to the start shown inFIG. 21.

FIG. 27 is the flow chart showing the control of the downward scan.Incidentally, Steps common with those in FIG. 26 are denoted by the samereference numerals, and the detailed description thereof will beomitted.

Since the downward scans are reverse in scan direction to the upwardscans, the voltages applied to the motors in Steps 463, 465 and 466 arereverse in polarity to the voltages applied to the motors in Steps 453,455 and 456 as shown in FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 is the flow chart showing the control of the leftward scan.Incidentally, Steps common with those in FIG. 26 are denoted by the samereference numerals, and the detailed description thereof will beomitted.

In FIG. 28, the rotating position information of the CCD 316 is judgedto be the lateral position in Step 452, the backward voltage is appliedto the film feeding motor to move the film in the backward direction,whereby the picture on the screen of the video monitor is movedleftwardly (Step 473).

Furthermore, when the rotating position information of the CCD 316 isjudged to be the right longitudinal position, the forward voltage isapplied to the lens moving motor, whereby the picture on the screen ofthe video monitor is moved leftwardly (Step 475).

On the other hand, when the rotating position information of the CCD 316is judged to be the left longitudinal position, the backward voltage isapplied to the lens moving motor to move the taking lens downwardly,whereby the picture on the screen of the video monitor leftwardly (Step476).

FIG. 29 is the flow chart showing the control of the rightward scan.Incidentally, Steps common with those in FIG. 26 are denoted by the samereference numerals, and the detailed description thereof will beomitted.

Since the rightward scans are reverse in scan direction to the leftwardscans, the voltages applied to the motors in Steps 483. 485 and 486 arereverse in polarity to the voltages applied to the motors in Steps 473,475 and 476 as shown in FIG. 28.

(Scan in oblique directions)

FIGS. 30 through 33 are flow charts showing the controls of scans in theoblique directions, respectively. FIG. 30 is the flow chart showing thecontrol of the scan in the right upward direction. Incidentally, Stepscommon with those in FIG. 26 are denoted by the same reference numerals,and the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The control of the scan in the oblique direction can be performed bysimultaneous drivings of the film feeding motor and the lens movingmotor. The control of the right upward scan shown in FIG. 30 is achievedby simultaneously performing the upward scan control (Refer to FIG. 26)and the rightward scan control (Refer to FIG. 29).

Namely, in FIG. 30, when the rotating position information of the CCD316 is judged to be the lateral position in Step 452. the forwardvoltage (3 V) is applied to the film feeding motor to move the film inthe forward direction, and simultaneously, the backward voltage (-2 V)is applied to the lens moving motor to move the taking lens downwardly,whereby the picture on the screen of the video monitor is movedright-upwardly (Step 493).

Here, assumption is made that the film feeding motor the lens movingmotor change the rotating speeds in proportion to the voltage valuesapplied thereto, respectively and the rotating directions thereof arechanged in accordance with the polarities of the applied voltages, andfurther, when the voltages equal to each other are applied to the filmfeeding motor and the lens moving motor, the film feeding speed and thelens moving speed become equal to each other. In this case, as describedabove, when a voltage of 3 V is applied to the film feeding motor, forexample, and a voltage of -2 V is applied to the lens moving motor, forexample, a ratio between the upward speed and the rightward speedbecomes 2:3. As described above, when the ratio between the speedscoinciding with the aspect ratio of the frame are selected, the pictureon the screen of the video monitor can be moved from the center of theframe to the right upward corner in a straight line.

Similarly, when the rotating position information of the CCD 316 isjudged to be the right longitudinal position, the backward voltage (-3V) is applied to the film feeding motor to move the film in the backwarddirection, and simultaneously, the backward voltage (-2 V) is applied tothe lens moving motor to move the taking lens downwardly, whereby thepicture on the screen of the video monitor is moved right-upwardly (Step495).

Furthermore, when the rotating position information of the CCD 316 isjudged to be the left longitudinal position, the forward voltage (3 V)is applied to the film feeding motor to move the film in the forwarddirection, and simultaneously, the forward voltage (2 V) is applied tothe lens moving motor to move the taking lens upwardly, whereby thepicture on the screen of the video monitor is moved right-upwardly (Step496).

FIG. 31 is the flow chart showing the downward scan control.Incidentally, Steps common with those in FIG. 26 are denoted by the samereference numerals, and the detailed description will be omitted.

In FIG. 31, when the rotating position information of the CCD 316 isjudged to be the lateral position, the forward voltage (3 V) is appliedto the film feeding motor to move the film in the forward direction, andsimultaneously, the forward voltage (2 V) is applied to the lens movingmotor to move the taking lens upwardly, whereby the picture on thescreen of the video monitor is moved right-downwardly (Step 503).

Similarly, when the rotating position information of the CCD 316 isjudged to be the right longitudinal position, the forward voltage (3 V)is applied to the film feeding motor to move the film in the forwarddirection, and simultaneously, the backward voltage (-2 V) is applied tothe lens moving motor to move the taking lens downwardly, whereby thepicture on the screen of the video monitor right-downwardly (Step 505).Furthermore, when the rotating position information of the CCD 316 isjudged to be the left longitudinal position in Step 452, the backwardvoltage (-3 V) is applied to the film feeding motor to move the film inthe backward direction, and simultaneously, the forward voltage (2 V) isapplied to the lens moving motor to move the taking lens upwardly,whereby the picture on the screen of the video monitor is movedright-downwardly (Step 506).

FIG. 32 is the flow chart showing the control of the left upward scan.Incidentally, Steps common with those in FIG. 26 are denoted by the samereference numerals, and the detailed description will be omitted.

In FIG. 32, when the rotating position information of the CCD 316 isjudged to be the lateral position in Step 452, the backward voltage (-3V) is applied to the film feeding motor to move the film in the backwarddirection, and simultaneously, the backward voltage (-2 V) is applied tothe lens moving motor to move the taking lens downwardly, whereby thepicture on the screen of the video monitor is moved left-upwardly (Step513).

Similarly, the rotating position information of the CCD 316 is judged tobe the right longitudinal position in Step 452, the backward voltage (-3V) is applied to the film feeding motor to move the film in the backwarddirection, and simultaneously, the forward voltage (2 V) is applied tothe lens moving motor to move the taking lens upwardly, whereby thepicture on the screen of the video monitor is moved left-upwardly (Step515).

Furthermore, when the rotating position information of the CCD 316 isjudged to be the left longitudinal position in Step 452, the forwardvoltage (3 V) is applied to the film feeding motor to move the film inthe forward direction, and simultaneously, the backward voltage (-2 V)is applied to the lens moving motor to move the taking lens downwardly,whereby the picture on the screen of the video monitor is movedleft-upwardly (Step 516).

FIG. 33 is the flow chart showing the control of the left-downward scan.Incidentally, Steps common with those in FIG. 26 are denoted by the samereference numerals, and the detailed description will be omitted.

In FIG. 33, when the rotating position information of the CCD 316 isjudged to be the lateral position in Step 452, the backward voltage (-3V) is applied to the film feeding motor to move the film in the backwarddirection, and simultaneously, the forward voltage (2 V) is applied tothe lens moving motor to move the taking lens upwardly, whereby thepicture on the screen of the video monitor is moved left-downwardly(Step 523).

Similarly, when the rotating position information of the CCD 316 isjudged to be the right longitudinal position in Step 452, the forwardvoltage (3 V) is applied to the film feeding motor to move the film inthe forward direction, and simultaneously, the forward voltage (2 V) isapplied to the lens moving motor to move the taking lens upwardly,whereby the picture on the screen of the video monitor is movedleft-downwardly (Step 525).

Furthermore, when the rotating position information of the CCD 316 isjudged to be the left longitudinal position in Step 452, the backwardvoltage (-3 V) is applied to the film feeding motor to move the film inthe backward direction, and simultaneously, the backward voltage (-2 V)is applied to the lens moving motor to move the taking lens downwardly,whereby the picture on the screen of the video monitor is movedleft-downwardly (Step 526).

Incidentally, in this embodiment, the four scan buttons 346C-346F areused, however, the present invention is not limited to this, and onescan lever 346K capable of outputting scan commands in at least eightdirections may be used as shown in FIG. 34. In this case, the judgingshown in FIG. 25 can be dispensed with.

Furthermore, the scan speed at the time of operating the scan button andthe zoom speed at the time of operating the zoom button are set atrelatively low speeds because it is necessary to determine the desiredscan position and zooming with the picture on the screen of the videomonitor being watched. On the other hand, when the standard button 351is operated from an optional image magnification and scan position toreturn them to the display of the standard condition, it is preferableto return quickly. Then, in this embodiment, the scan speed and the zoomspeed at the time of returning to the display in the standard conditionare set at speeds faster than the scan speed and the zoom speed at thetime of operating the buttons.

As described above, in the film image input system according to thepresent invention, the moving speed of the screen on the video monitorcan be made constant irrespective of the image magnification, and theportion other than the film image can be prevented from being monitoredat the time of the scan because the scope where the scan is possible isrestricted in accordance with the image magnification. Further, the scancan be easily performed in the oblique direction from an optional scanposition, and particularly, when the scan is performed in the obliquedirection, the control is performed such that a ratio between thevertical scan speed and the lateral scan speed is proportional to theaspect ratio of the film image, so that the scan can be performedquickly in the diagonal direction of the film image. Furthermore, sinceit is clearly displayed that what scope in one frame is pick-up atpresent, the advantage that this sets rough standards for the scanoperation and the zoom operation can be offered.

Furthermore, in the film image input system according to the presentinvention, when the standard reproduction is commanded, the scanposition is returned to the center of the film and the imagemagnification is returned to a predetermined magnification such that thefilm image in the whole frame occupies the whole screen of the filmimage from an optional image magnification and scan position, so thatthe standard reproduction can be easily performed, further, at least oneof the zoom speed and the scan speed at the time of returning to thestandard reproduction condition can be made faster than the zoom speedand the scan speed at the time of the manual operation, and the time ofputting the film image into the screen in the standard reproductioncondition after the operation of the standard reproduction command meanscan be greatly shortened, thus improving the handling properties.

Further, in the film image input system according to the presentinvention, the lighting unit is provided in the lid for putting in andtaking out the film cartridge, so that the film image input system canbe rendered compact in size. Furthermore, the lid can be provided on thefront surface of the main body of the film image input system, so thatputting in the film cartridge and taking out it from the cartridgehousing part can be made easy, and other AV components can be mounted onthe top of the main body of the film image input system.

Furthermore, in the film image input system according to the presentinvention, the three angles for determining the posture of the filmguide member can be adjusted, respectively, so that the relative shiftbetween the film surface of the developed still photo film and thetaking lens can be easily adjusted. Furthermore, one point of the filmguide member is positioned as the reference point by one positioningpin, so that not only the posture of the film but also the position ofthe film can be received within the predetermined values of error.

It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limitthe invention to the specific forms disclosed, but on the contrary, theinvention is to cover all modifications, alternate constructions andequivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention asexpressed in the appended claims.

We claim:
 1. A film image input system wherein an image of a developedstill photo film is illuminated, passed through a taking lens andfocused at an image sensing plane of a charge coupled device where theimage is converted into electrical signals and the electrical signalsare input into a video monitor, to thereby reproduce the image on ascreen of the video monitor, said film image input system comprising:acartridge housing for housing therein a film cartridge containing thedeveloped still photo film and for disposing the film cartridge at apredetermined position in a main body of said film image input system; alid movably secured to a front surface of the main body, wherein saidlid is displaced for insertion and removal of the film cartridge fromsaid cartridge housing; and a lighting unit provided in said lid, forilluminating the film, wherein said cartridge housing is provided on arear surface of said lid.
 2. A film image input system wherein adeveloped still photo film is illuminated by a light source to producean image which is passed through a taking lens and focused at an imagesensing plane of an image pick-up means where the image is convertedinto electrical signals and the electrical signals are input into avideo monitor, thereby reproducing the image on a screen of the videomonitor, said film image input system comprising:a cartridge housing forhousing therein a film cartridge containing the developed still photofilm and for disposing the film cartridge at a predetermined position ina main body of said film image input system; a lid movably secured to afront surface of the main body, wherein said lid is displaced forinsertion and removal of the film cartridge from said cartridge housing;and locking means for locking said lid when the film cartridge isinserted in said cartridge housing and for unlocking said lid forremoval of the film cartridge when the developed still photo film iscompletely taken-up inside the film cartridge.
 3. A film image inputsystem as recited in claim 2, wherein said locking means comprises:alock member (140A) provided on said lid, said lid being biased toward anopen position by a first spring (144); a rotatably supported lever (146)for engaging said lock member, wherein said lever (146) is biased by asecond spring (149) toward a locking position; a rotatably supportedfilm sensing lever (150) biased by a third spring (152) so as to abut asurface of the developed still photo film; a slidably supported ejectorpreventing plate (156) biased by a fourth spring (154) against an end ofsaid rotatably supported film sensing lever (150) and having a slot(156A) formed therein; and a slidably supported ejector knob (160)provided on a side of said ejector preventing plate (156) opposite saidrotatably supported lever (146) and aligned with said rotatablysupported lever (146), wherein when the developed still photo film iscompletely contained inside the film cartridge, said film sensing lever(150) is rotated past the film cartridge by the third biasing spring(152) causing said ejector preventing plate (156) to move opposite thebiasing direction of the fourth spring (154) so that said slidablysupported ejector knob (160) is aligned with the slot (156A), andwherein when the ejector knob (160) is pushed through the slot (156A) anend of the ejector knob (160) contacts the rotatably supported lever(146) to disengage the lever (146) from the lock member (140A) wherebythe lid is released and opened.
 4. A film image input system as recitedin claim 2, wherein said locking means comprises:a lock member (140A)provided on said lid, said lid being biased toward an open position by afirst spring (144); a rotatably supported lever (146) for engaging saidlock member, said lever (146) being biased by a second spring (149) in alocking position; a rotatably supported film sensing lever (150), oneend of said lever (150) being biased against a surface of the developedstill photo film; a switch (166) abutting against an opposite end ofsaid lever (150), wherein when the film is completely contained in thefilm cartridge the lever (150) is moved past the film cartridge toactivate the switch (166), said switch (166) activating a solenoid todisengage the rotatably supported lever (146) from said lock member(140A).
 5. A film image input system as recited in claim 2, wherein saidlocking means comprises:a lock member (140A) provided on said lid, saidlid being biased toward an open position by a first spring (144); arotatably supported lever (146) for engaging said lock member, saidlever (146) being biased by a second spring (149) in a locking position;a supply shaft (170) connected to the film cartridge; a rotary disc(171) connected to an end of the supply shaft; a photo-interrupter (172)for optically detecting rotation of the rotary disc; a counter (174)connected to the photo-interrupter for counting an amount of rotation ofthe rotary disc; a computer (176) connected to the counter for computingwhether the amount of rotation is sufficient to store the developedstill photo film in the film cartridge and for controlling movement ofsaid rotatably supported lever (146); and a memory means (178) forstoring various data relating to the amount of rotation necessary tostore the developed still photo film in the film cartridge, wherein whenthe computer determines that the developed still photo film iscompletely contained in the film cartridge the computer controls therotatably supported lever (146) to disengage the lock member (140A)thereby opening the lid.